Choosing a Pediatrician

If you can't find a doctor in your area who is known for being "intact knowledgeable" you may have to put a little extra time into finding the right fit your son. We recommend calling and asking to speak to the pediatrician on the phone. A few simple questions will give you a good idea of where the pediatrician stands on the issue and how educated she/he is on intact care.

choosing a pediatrician

Intact-Friendly Doctors List

Join Your State Chapter of YWB

Join your state's YWB Facebook group to communicate with other parents of intact boys in your area. They will most likely be the best source for telling you which doctors you should or should not trust.

Interviewing Pediatricians

If you can't find a doctor in your area on these lists, or through a recommendation, you may have to put a little extra time into finding the right fit your son. We recommend calling and asking to speak to the pediatrician on the phone. If the receptionist asks why, tell her you believe you want Dr. __________ to be your son's pediatrician, but you have a few questions about circumcision you want to ask her/him first. A few simple questions will give you a good idea of where the pediatrician stands on the issue and how educated she/he is on intact care:

Q: How do you feel about circumcision?

Great response: It's a cosmetic surgery and not necessary. I don't recommend it. If you're not sure, don't do it.Acceptable response: It's not medically necessary, but is a choice for each parent to make.Not going to be a good fit: It should be done at birth because the baby won't feel it. It's cleaner. It's healthier.

Q: If we decide to keep our son intact, how will we keep his penis clean?

Great response: There's no need to retract. Just clean what you can see. If he has a messy poop give him a warm bath.Acceptable response: I am not all that knowledgeable on intact care, but I'm open to researching and learning. Not going to be a good fit: You should retract the foreskin to clean.

Do you know a doctor's office that forcibly retracts male patients or instructs parents to retract to clean their son's penis? We will send educational material to the doctor's office. In addition, contact Doctors Opposing Circumcision to file a formal complaint.

Your Whole Baby

We believe, if you have the information necessary to see circumcision in a new light, free from cultural blinders, you will not choose it for your son. Your protective instincts will scream NO as far as the ear can hear.

Gently providing education on the lifelong harms of circumcision and information on the functions and proper care of the foreskin in an effort to end infant genital cutting.

The information provided on this website is for information and research purposes. It should not be substituted for medical care. For healthcare, seek a qualified medical professional who is knowledgeable on the benefits of a whole body and intact care and who knows the harms involved in circumcision and forced retraction. Visit the Choosing a Pediatrician page for assistance in picking a doctor who is right for your family.

Your Whole Baby has a diverse group of members whom we embrace and value. It is our policy to be inclusive and mindful of this diversity in our publications and interactions with others. We are committed to the presence and contributions of all persons regardless of their age, culture, abilities, ethnic origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We believe that prejudice, oppression, and discrimination are detrimental in the ability to spread awareness of genital autonomy.